Reopen old Zales account?

[iltph]

Back in '99, I opened an account with Zales and never had a late and paid it off my balance in 2002. A couple of questions:

1. If I call them, would they give me a new account or re-open my old account from 99?

2. Would reopening the old account make a big difference?

Since the account was last reported in 2002, it should remain until 2012. My most recent CC is not even a year old, although I've been paying on time to my student loan for the past 10 years. I already have an account with three other jewelers, though so I don't really want another unless this is going to help with my FICO scoring a good deal.

[llecs]

I had a CO w/ Zales back in 1997/1996, or there abouts. It was for DW's engagement ring. I wised up eventually and PIF by 1999. By 2002, they were still reporting, but on one CRA (TU?) and it was reporting as "Open", meaning the account wasn't closed. I remember calling and going to a Zales store to inquire if it could be re-opened, and both said "No" without re-applying because it had been so long.  In both requests, my info wasn't even looked up. However, I can't remember if I mentioned if it was a CO or not. To this day, it is still reporting on that one CRA as an "open" account and don't mind it doing so. It is my oldest account and long past CRTP for 10 yrs (listed as a pd acct with no derog reference).

IMO, call them. You have nothing to lose. If they do re-open and report the org. opened date, your score would go up. However, I would not open a new Zales acct.